Michael Richard answers some questions about his fascinating work in the field of paranormal photography.
Earlier this week, I had the privilege of interviewing paranormal photographer Michael Richard. You can visit Michael online at www.paranormalphotography.com.
1. The story about how you got started as a paranormal photographer is fascinating. Had you ever had unusual experiences before?
The unusual experiences started when I was 7. My family was living in the San Fernando Valley, we decided to go to Long Beach for the weekend on Mothers day. We were walking along the beach in and out of the water when I slipped on a sudden drop off in the water and went down gasping for air and swallowed a lot of water. I think my body went down about six feet and it seemed like I was down there for about two minutes. The next thing I know is that I am being pushed up by a female light source that felt like it was alive. As soon as I broke the surface my father grabbed me and took me to shore to get the water out of my system by hitting me on the back. I did a lot of coughing and felt okay about five minutes later. As I was sitting on the beach I was starting to have problems with my eyes at least that's what I thought. It turned out I started to see aura's on people. That's when the paranormal world started for me.
2. What were your thoughts about the realm of paranormal phenomena before that point?
I knew that the paranormal world was real; I just didn’t think it could be photographed.
3. Do you need to use special photographic equipment in your work?
I use a basic 35mm camera shooting infrared film.
4. Do you work locally or do you travel to different parts of the country for your work?
My wife and I travel all across the US to do this work.
5. How do your clients find out about you?
People find out about me through the web-site. Also through word of mouth.
6. Can you tell me about a "typical" case, if there is such a thing? Do you go to the location once or multiple times? What are the steps involved?
What I do in each case is different. It depends on what is going on or what the problem is. I do go to check out each case several times before I go in to shoot. I try to find out times (when things happen) and who was around to witness the activity. Also I use a work sheet that I fill out to narrow things down.
7. Do you get a sense as you enter a particular location of whether or not there is something truly otherworldly present?
Yes My wife and I both are psychic and we do feel different things and that's what makes this business work.
8. Are certain types of buildings more likely to have paranormal activity than others?
Buildings that have a lot of history will usually have more activity around them. But it can all so happen at new sites. Remember that we've been around for a long time buildings come and go and people forgot what was there before. A lot of times the previous building could have been haunted and when the new building goes up the old problem is still there. A lot of sprits still think that the building or house is still there and a lot of times they refuse to leave.
9. Are you a homeowner's last resort when trying to support a claim of a ghost or spirit in their home? What other steps might your clients have taken before contacting you?
It's unfortunate but I am usually the last resort. One step people should do is check out the history of the house that they live in or the building that they work in. When we come to a site history is always a question that comes up.
10. When you are called to photograph a location, do you always get an image?
I have about a 95% success rate of capture on film.
11. Have you personally witnessed paranormal activity?
Yes. My wife and I have seen a lot of paranormal activity.
12. Have you, personally, ever felt threatened or in danger when photographing a location?
I have gone in on locations that have angry spirits , but we go in with respect and let them know why we are there. We always try to resolve the problem!
13. I am sure that over the years you have been doing this type of work that you have come up with some thoughts about why these events take place. Why do you think these types of events occur?
History! Things don't always get resolved. You should always check out the history of a house before buying!
14. Would you like to share any information about a particularly memorable case you have worked on?
I was called to a friends apartment who could hear violent screams at night. I went down to check it out and decided to spend the night. About 2 am I heard the screams coming from the kitchen area. I was terrified and I could not see anything. Seconds later the screams stopped. I reached for my camera to take some pictures and got them back the next day. I told my friend to MOVE! A violent murder had taken place in his apartment two years earlier. The landlord never said a word about it and gave my friend back his deposit! He had only lived there less than a week!
